Falls and consequent injuries are major public health problems which often require medical attention but also may change future living conditions of the patient. Should fall incidents continue at today’s rate with an ageing Australian population it will leave a physical and financial burden on to the medical system.

Unintentional injury is the biggest issue in community safety and when it comes to unintentional injury the most common injury will result from falling. Falls are the cause of more hospital admissions and injury statistics than any other safety issue. But, falls draw less media attention than most other safety issues. Public awareness about the risk and frequency of falls, and the extent of injury and impairment that can result is alarmingly low.

Rise in serious trampoline injuries in children worries trauma specialists. Dr Teague said the anecdotal evidence suggested many children were being injured when multiple were jumping on a trampoline at the same time. “If you have multiple users on the trampoline, I would liken it to cage fighting,” he said.

Unintentional injury is the biggest issue in community safety and when it comes to unintentional injury the most common injury will result from falling. Falls are the cause of more hospital admissions and injury statistics than any other safety issue. But, falls draw less media attention than most other safety issues. Public awareness about the risk and frequency of falls, and the extent of injury and impairment that can result is alarmingly low.

Stop and think before you use a ladder. • choose the right ladder for the job • don’t work in wet or windy conditions • take time to set up your ladder • work safely up the ladder • have another person hold the ladder
• know your limits and work to your ability.